Guide to vaporizers and their types or all about vaporization
How to vaporise
Before you start looking at the different types of vaporizers, it's obviously important to understand what you need to vape. There are three basic components that are essential to vaping:
- Vaporizer battery or other power source
- Heating chamber/atomizer
- Vaping substance (such as e-liquid or herbs)
It's easy for beginners to buy a device that looks complete but is missing an important component to make it work. This is especially true for vaporizers designed for e-liquids, which are regularly sold without an attached atomizer (the component that vaporizes the e-liquid).
This is why we recommend beginners start with a vaping kit. These kits contain everything you need to vape on your own (except for your preferred substance), so you won't waste time, energy, and extra money because you forgot the battery or atomizer.
Dry herb and wax vaporizers
Vaporizers designed for use with dry herbs or wax are rarely sold without heating chambers, so the likelihood of buying a device for one of these substances and missing a necessary component is very low. However, if you're not sure what else might be needed, you should read the product description carefully or contact the manufacturer.
Different types vaporizers
There are not only different types of devices designed for specific substances, but also different styles that are designed for use with the same substance. Below are the different styles and designs. Some vaporizers may be designed for your choice of oil, dry herb, or wax (with several attachments and accessories).
Oil vaporizers
Oil vaporizers (often referred to as e-liquid vaporizers) are the oldest style of vaporizers available. Most are designed to use e-liquids that have been infused with nicotine, although e-liquids that do not contain nicotine are also available. CBD oils can also be used with oil vaporizers, which we'll talk about later in this article.
Vaping: direct-to-lung (DTL) or mouth-to-lung (MTL)
Within the category of oil vaporizers, you will come across options that are often referred to as DTL or MTL. This means that the device is designed for one or both of these options. A DTL device is one where you can inhale the vapor directly into your lungs without "stopping" in your mouth.
MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaporizers, on the other hand, are designed so that the user first sucks the vapor into his mouth, holds it there, and then inhales it. DTL designs are predominant in large capacity atomizers designed for vaping e-liquids because it is much easier to create huge clouds of vapor. You'll usually come across "mouth-to-lung" (MTL) designs in devices designed for more viscous oils, such as CBD oils.
Dry herb vaporizers: convection vs. conduction
Dry herb vaporizers come in two standard designs: convection or conduction. Conduction devices use a heating element that is in direct contact with the dry herb and vaporizes it. Unfortunately, this can lead to uneven heating, so unless you want a mouthful of ash, you'll need to stir the dry herb occasionally during vaping.
Convection vaping uses hot air to heat the dry herb, which creates a vapour for inhalation. Convection vaping works just like convection ovens, so the heat is evenly dispersed throughout the heated chamber. This is an excellent choice if you are trying to target specific cannabinoids or terpenes, or simply want a better vaping experience. However, there are also vaporizers that combine both of these methods of heating the material, combining the benefits of both convection and conduction heating.
Wax vaporizers
Wax vaporizers have a number of different functions, but their basic purpose is the same. They are equipped with an incandescent chamber in which wax is placed directly onto the incandescent coils. These glowing spirals vaporise the resin, which is then inhaled.
Vaping cannabis and CBD
With the growing popularity of cannabis and its legalization around the world, the number of hemp and CBD vaporizers is growing. There are all sorts of methods to enjoy popular cannabis products, from simple and inexpensive to powerful, high-end devices with a range of features.
Vaporizing pens for CBD oils
The simplest devices designed for cannabis use are vaporizer pens with CBD oil. These vaporizers are either pre-filled and designed for single use or take the form of batteries that attach to disposable, pre-filled cartridges. Vaporisers of this type are small and discreet and do not attract attention from the surrounding area. Their size also makes them ideal travel companions. Most CBD vaporizer pens offer variable temperature (heating) settings. So you can play around with different oils and see what temperature produces the best vapor.
Portable dry herb vaporizers
Portable dry herb vaporizers are usually bulkier than vaporizer pens. This is because dry herb vaporizers need a larger heating chamber into which the dry herb is placed. This then translates into an overall larger size of the whole device. While you can find devices that are really tiny, the smaller size comes at the expense of performance and therefore vapor quality. Although these devices are usually designed for dry herb only, some models have attachments for e-liquids. These attachments, or tanks, can be filled with your chosen e-liquid and then inserted into the heating chamber of the device.
CBD wax vaporizers
We have already discussed wax vaporizers above. Their popularity is growing especially among medical cannabis enthusiasts. The wax offers a stronger effect. Moreover, it sets in in a shorter period of time, making wax an ideal choice for acute pain sufferers. CBD waxes are now widely available.
What it is vaporizing pen?
A vaporizer pen is a small portable device that uses a battery with a heating element to create vapor. While vaporizer pens originally found use primarily with e-liquids containing nicotine, they are now widely used for the use of CBD oils. Vaporizer pens offer a unique design advantage over larger and more powerful devices. Because they are very slim and tiny, they can be travelled with and used in public. Pens are especially popular with users who want or need to use the device all day long.
Different types of vaporizing pens
As we have already mentioned, there are various types of vaporizer pens. Each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Which one is best for you depends primarily on which one best fits your expectations.
Fixed operating voltage
Vaporizing pens with fixed operating voltage do not allow changing the voltage or heating temperature. Fixed voltage pens usually fall into the category of low-cost "basic" devices. This is particularly true for disposable vaping pens and pens equipped with a draw-fire system (they heat up when drawn), which may have limited functionality. Fixed voltage devices are great for beginners or as temporary travel devices. However, most vapers will quickly outgrow fixed voltage devices.
Sub-Ohm tanks
More experienced users who enjoy vaporizing e-liquid regularly end up with devices that have sub-ohm tanks. These reservoirs have an electrical resistance of less than 1 ohm, so electricity can flow in it very easily. What exactly does that mean? When you can deliver a "load" of energy to the atomizer all at once, the result will be a large amount of dense vapor. In the past, using sub-ohm tanks was difficult for beginners. The lack of safety features meant that the tank burned easily because it was not designed to draw electricity quickly. However, modern sub-ohm tanks are usually paired with a box modem (a box attached directly to the tank) that contains a chipset with automatic safety features. These help prevent this kind of damage. There are vaporizer pens that can use sub-ohm tanks, but usually box mods are a better choice.
Variable voltage
Most mid-range vaporizer pens have the option of changing the voltage in the settings. The tension adjustment option is usually found at the bottom of the pen. You can change it via the rotary switch, or by quickly pressing the power button after turning on the device. The higher the voltage, the hotter your steam will be!
Variable temperature
Temperature-adjustable vaping pens and voltage-adjustable vaping pens are basically the same, with one minor difference. A variable temperature vaporizer will show you the actual temperature (by degrees), while a variable voltage device will show you the specific voltage selected. It is common for pens designed for use with e-liquids to have variable voltage and pens for dry herb to have adjustable temperature, although the end result is the same. Higher-end devices usually have a variable temperature option (often with the ability to select in increments).
E-cigarettes
E-cigarettes are the oldest form of vaping. They were originally designed to stop smoking traditional tobacco. They are made to look and feel like cigarettes, making them the smallest version of vaporizers currently available. Because they are so small, e-cigarettes usually have no features beyond the basic. They almost always feature a draw-fire design, which we'll discuss in the next section, and are almost always intended to be disposable.
Draw-Fire Vaporizer Pens
Draw-Fire Pens have no physical buttons and usually have no temperature adjustment. Instead, the device turns on when air is drawn from it, creating steam in real time. When the device is not in use, it automatically shuts off. Draw-fire vaporizer pens can be found in both traditional and disposable versions.
Vaporizers with POD systems
While many vaporizers use 510 threaded oil cartridges, POD equipped devices offer a different solution. Most of them use so-called "PODs" pre-filled with e-liquid that are placed in a specific kind of vaping device. These devices are very user-friendly, which makes them popular especially among novice "vapers". The design of these devices offers unique advantages but also has its drawbacks. Since the design is proprietary, only certain PODs work in a particular device (usually the PODs and the vaporizer are made by the same company or brand). This greatly limits the ability to choose an e-liquid that might be suitable for you. However, a unique advantage of POD systems is that they often come in novel, eye-catching designs that are not commonly seen in the vaping world. If you want to vape and don't want people to know it's a vaporizer, a POD device may be exactly what you're looking for.
Traditional vaporizing pen
Most beginners are familiar with the traditional vaporizer pen design. This features a cylindrical battery that uses a 510 thread to connect oil cartridges. The cartridge is usually disposable, although those who don't mind the refill process can choose from a range of refillable cartridges with 510 threads as well.
Box mods
Finally, one of the most popular vaping devices are box mods. Box mods have a high-capacity battery and a variety of features, including the ability for precise ignition. They are compatible with a wide range of attachments and tanks, making them a popular choice for experienced vapers.
What are the common features of a vaporizer pen?
Keep in mind that vaporizer pens differ from each other to some extent, but most of them have common characteristics. Knowing the common factors will help you identify devices that don't quite fit the pattern, which can make them better (or worse) candidates for your vaping needs.
Batteries
All vaping pens have a battery. Usually this battery is separate from the other components (although not always). The battery supplies power to the other components for vapor production, and most pens have batteries that can be recharged. There are exceptions, such as disposable devices that you can throw away after use. Disposable vaporizers, draw-fire vaporizers, and devices with PODs often have a battery that cannot be separated from the other components. This makes these vaporizers easier to use, but limits the choices of what attachments or cartridges can be used with them.
Cartridge or reservoir
The reservoir (with atomizer inside) holds and vaporizes e-liquid or oils. Often called cartridges, they are usually connected to the vaporizer pen via a 510 thread, although some devices do not allow external connection (especially disposable devices).
Cartridge
Cartridges can be pre-filled or refillable, but if you are using the pen for the CBD oil, they will almost always be pre-filled.
Mouthpiece
Finally, a mouthpiece is attached to the cartridge, through which you will suck the vapour that is created inside the atomiser. Many mouthpieces come with cartridges attached, but many allow you to swap and customize mouthpiece variations.
Are vaping pens suitable for you?
Vaporizer pens may be a convenient and easy-to-use option, but that doesn't mean they are suitable for everyone. Consider the following general pros and cons of these pens and try to think about whether they will suit your needs:
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Easy to use
- Suitable for beginners
- Easy to travel with
Cons
- Often lacks advanced features (e.g. precise temperature settings)
- Capacity for vaporizing fluids is often small compared to options such as box mods
- Very few quality options for vaporizing dry herbs (most pens are designed for e-liquids, oils or concentrates)
- Lack of replaceable battery
- Usually there are no spare parts available for them (so if a component fails you will have to replace the whole device)
What is Cig-A-Like?
Cig-A-Like is a common electronic cigarette. These are the most basic types of vaping pens. They are usually the size of a cigarette (and are often designed to resemble a cigarette as much as possible). If you're new to the vaping scene, you may not have come across a Cig-A-Like device, but seasoned "vapers" will be familiar with it. Cig-A-Like devices basically have one goal: to look like a cigarette. This makes them the most discreet form of vaping available, as these devices are often indistinguishable from real cigarettes from a distance.
What are the different types of Cig-A-Like devices?
Since Cig-A-Like devices are basic devices, you'll only find two real variations of these vaporizers: disposable and refillable. Disposable electronic cigarettes have been on the market since the beginning of modern vaporization.
Refillable e-cigarettes are newer and allow users who want the convenience of a small vaping device without the added expense of buying disposable devices. Most vapers who are interested in refillable devices will eventually switch to devices with more features that still allow for public use without attracting unwanted attention.
What are the typical features of Cig-A-Like vaping devices?
Whether you use disposable or refillable e-cigarettes, the basic anatomy is similar for all brands. They are also similar to a standard vaping pen with a few minor design and functional differences.
LED
Electronic cigarettes are usually equipped with an LED light on the tip that lights up when you roll. This serves two purposes. The first is that it lets the user know that the device is on and heating the liquid. The second is that it helps to complete the illusion that the device is lit (since the LED looks like the lit end of a traditional cigarette).
Batteries
The battery in a Cig-A-Like is very small (like the battery in a watch). In Cig-A-Like cigarettes, you cannot remove it to replace it (even in refillable models). However, because the power requirement is very low, the Cig-A-Like has a decent lifespan even with repeated use.
Cartomizer/tank
The Cartomizer (the component that does the vaping) contains a microprocessor and glowing elements that allow the Cig-A-Like to produce vapor. Disposable Cig-A-Like devices often have the cartomizer and reservoir as one part to save space, while refillable variants still attach to the cartridge like a traditional vaping pen.
Mouthpiece
Finally, the mouthpiece is located on the opposite side from the LED light. When you're ready, just pull from the mouthpiece and the cigarette will start producing vapor instantly using the draw-fire function. This makes it easy to start and stop vaporizing, although the vapor production will be weaker compared to larger vaporizer pens or box mods.
Is Cig-A-Like suitable for me?
Cig-A-Like offers a unique vaping experience compared to other devices. While this unique experience is an attraction for some, many other people do not enjoy using this type of device. If you are trying to decide if a Cig-A-Like device is right for your vaping needs, take a look at the pros and cons listed below:
Pros
- Extremely easy to use (most of them are activated by coating with no further settings)
- Discretion (the devices are designed to look like cigarettes, so they are ideal for not drawing attention to yourself)
- Cost-effective
- Safe to use
Cons
- Limited steam production
- Lack of features to personalise the vaping experience
- Very small e-liquid capacity (produces less steam and runs out faster)
What are the different types of box mods?
Even within the box mods you will find a wide range of devices. Some differences are subtle, while others create a completely unique vaping experience.
Squonk mods
Squonk mods offer a unique design that you won't find in any other kind of device. The vaporizing reservoir is housed in the body of the boxed mod and is made of soft, flexible silicone. When the device is turned on, the user squeezes the reservoir, releasing a stream of e-liquid onto the glowing coils.
This creates a huge amount of vapour at once, which can easily overwhelm budding vapers. Squonk mods, however, are a popular choice among dense cloud enthusiasts because they produce large amounts of vapor quickly.
Moths with re-foldable atomizers (RBA)
Some box mods use reservoirs that are not designed to be opened and modified. Others use the RBA system and are designed to open and replace internal components. It's much more labor intensive than standard tanks because you have to make the coils, install them, and insert the wick of your choice.
What are the best types of vaporizers?
There is no objective "best type of vaporizer" because whether someone considers a particular device to be good depends on whether the features and functions of the device match the user's specific needs. In general, dry herb vaporizers that utilize convection heating and fully equipped box mods offer a complete vaporization experience, but may not suit everyone's needs. This is especially true for those who need devices that are travel-friendly, cost-effective or discreet.
Choosing the vaporizer that suits you best
The best way to choose the right vaporizer is to take the time to decide what kind of vaporizer will best suit your needs. If you're not sure where to start, ask yourself the following questions:
- What's my budget?
- What features are necessary for me?
- What substance do I want to vape?
- Do I plan to vape on the go?
Take the time to answer these questions. You'll narrow down your choices to specific styles (and maybe even specific brands) of vaporizers, so the process of choosing a device will then be much easier.
Caring for the vaporizer
Once you have chosen the right device and have it in your hand, you need to take proper care of it. Essential:
- Store it at room temperature (NEVER leave it in the car).
- Do not store dry herbs or wax in the warming chamber.
- Keep the vaporizer in an upright position to avoid leaking or spilling vaping liquid.
- Replace aging components before they fail.
- These simple steps are a great way to get the most out of your vaping device!
Which types of vaporizer are suitable for you?
There's a lot to consider when choosing the type of vaporizer, so it's essential to spend plenty of time deciding. Or perhaps you don't want to have the perfect device the first time you buy it?
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